10 Best Salmon Air Fryer Recipes: Easy, Healthy, and Delicious for Every Home Cook
Cooking salmon in an air fryer isn’t just a trend—it’s a game-changer. This kitchen appliance transforms delicate salmon fillets into perfectly crispy-skinned, flaky, and flavorful meals in minutes, all while locking in moisture and cutting down on added fats. Whether you’re a busy parent, a fitness enthusiast, or someone who loves quick, healthy dinners, these 10 salmon air fryer recipes will become your go-to weeknight solutions. We’ve tested every method, from basic seasonings to global-inspired flavors, to ensure they’re foolproof, nutritious, and packed with taste. Let’s dive in.
Why Air Fryer Salmon? The Science Behind the Perfection
Before we jump into recipes, let’s address why the air fryer is ideal for salmon. Unlike baking (which can dry out the fish) or pan-searing (which requires constant attention), air frying uses rapid, circulating hot air to cook food evenly. Here’s what makes it special:
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Crispy Skin Without the Mess: The air fryer’s convection heat crisps the salmon’s skin while keeping the flesh tender—no need for excess oil.
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Time-Efficient: Most fillets cook in 8–12 minutes, depending on thickness. That’s faster than oven roasting and less hands-on than stovetop cooking.
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Nutrient Retention: Shorter cooking times at lower temperatures preserve omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and vitamins like B12—key for heart and brain health.
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Versatility: From simple lemon-herb to bold Korean-inspired glazes, the air fryer adapts to nearly any flavor profile without sacrificing texture.
Step 1: Prep Your Salmon for Air Frying Success
No recipe works if your salmon isn’t prepped correctly. Follow these steps to avoid common pitfalls (like dryness or sticking):
Choose the Right Cut
Opt for skin-on, center-cut salmon fillets (6–8 oz each, 1–1.5 inches thick). Thicker cuts cook more evenly; thinner ones risk overcooking. If using skinless, add 2–3 minutes to cooking time but watch closely for dryness.
Fresh vs. Frozen
Fresh salmon is best, but frozen works too—just thaw overnight in the fridge. Pat bothfresh and thawed fillets dry with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness; even a light sheen can prevent browning.
Season Generously (But Simply)
Start with a base: ½ tsp olive oil (or avocado oil for high heat), salt, and pepper. Oils help conduct heat for crispier skin, but use sparingly—air frying requires less fat than pan-searing.
The 10 Best Salmon Air Fryer Recipes
Recipe 1: Classic Lemon-Dill Salmon
Perfect for: Weeknights when you want bright, fresh flavor.
Ingredients per fillet:
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1 tsp olive oil
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Zest of ½ lemon
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1 tbsp fresh dill (chopped)
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½ tsp garlic powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Lemon slices (for topping)
Steps:
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Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
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Mix oil, lemon zest, dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Brush onto salmon. Top with lemon slices.
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Cook 8–10 minutes (for 1-inch thick fillets) until internal temp reaches 145°F (63°C). Flesh should flake easily.
Nutrition per serving: 280 cal, 22g protein, 18g fat (4g saturated), 2g carbs, 1,200mg omega-3s.
Recipe 2: Garlic-Pepper Salmon with Asparagus
Pair with: Roasted potatoes or quinoa.
Ingredients per fillet + 1 bunch asparagus:
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1 tsp olive oil (divided)
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2 garlic cloves (minced)
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1 tsp black pepper (coarsely ground)
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½ tsp paprika
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Asparagus (trimmed, tossed with ½ tsp olive oil, salt, and pepper)
Steps:
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Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
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Rub salmon with ½ tsp olive oil, garlic, pepper, and paprika. Place asparagus in the basket, then salmon on top.
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Cook 10–12 minutes, shaking basket halfway. Asparagus should be tender-crisp; salmon flaky.
Pro Tip: Add a squeeze of lemon over everything before serving.
Recipe 3: Korean Gochujang-Glazed Salmon
Spice level: Mild to medium (adjust gochujang).
Ingredients per fillet:
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1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
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1 tsp honey
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1 tsp soy sauce (low-sodium)
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½ tsp sesame oil
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1 garlic clove (grated)
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1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
Steps:
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Mix all ingredients (except sesame seeds) in a small bowl. Brush onto salmon.
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Preheat air fryer to 380°F (to prevent glaze from burning). Cook 8–10 minutes, brushing with extra glaze halfway.
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Garnish with sesame seeds. Serve with steamed rice and pickled cucumbers.
Recipe 4: Teriyaki Salmon with Pineapple Salsa
Great for: Grilling-like flavor without the grill.
Ingredients per fillet:
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2 tbsp store-bought teriyaki sauce (low-sugar)
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1 tsp rice vinegar
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1 cup pineapple (diced)
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¼ red onion (minced)
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1 jalapeño (seeds removed, minced)
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Cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
Steps:
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Whisk teriyaki and rice vinegar. Brush onto salmon.
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Air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes. Remove, pour remaining glaze over salmon, and cook 2 more minutes.
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Mix salsa ingredients. Serve salmon topped with salsa.
Recipe 5: Honey-Mustard Salmon with Dijon
Kid-friendly and quick.
Ingredients per fillet:
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1 tbsp Dijon mustard
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1 tbsp honey
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½ tsp dried thyme
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1 tsp olive oil
Steps:
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Mix all ingredients. Coat salmon.
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Air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes. The glaze will caramelize slightly—watch to avoid burning.
Serve with: Steamed green beans or a side salad.
Recipe 6: Citrus-Herb Salmon with Orange Zest
Bright, zesty, and perfect for summer.
Ingredients per fillet:
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Zest of 1 orange + 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
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1 tsp dried rosemary (crushed)
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1 tsp dried thyme
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
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1 tsp olive oil
Steps:
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Combine orange zest, juice, herbs, salt, pepper, and oil. Marinate salmon for 10 minutes (or up to 30).
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Air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes. The orange juice will create a sticky, aromatic glaze.
Recipe 7: Spicy Sriracha-Lime Salmon
For heat lovers.
Ingredients per fillet:
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1 tbsp sriracha
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1 tbsp lime juice
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1 tsp honey
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½ tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp olive oil
Steps:
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Mix all ingredients. Brush onto salmon.
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Air fry at 400°F for 8–9 minutes—sriracha can burn quickly, so check early.
Garnish: Fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
Recipe 8: Smoked Paprika-Sage Salmon
Fall-inspired comfort food.
Ingredients per fillet:
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp dried sage (crushed)
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp onion powder
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1 tsp olive oil
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Salt and pepper
Steps:
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Combine spices, oil, salt, and pepper. Rub onto salmon.
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Air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes (lower temp for deeper smoky flavor).
Serve with: Butternut squash mash and kale.
Recipe 9: Coconut-Curry Salmon with Mango Chutney
Tropical and satisfying.
Ingredients per fillet:
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1 tbsp curry powder
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1 tsp coconut oil (melted)
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1 tsp lime juice
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2 tbsp mango chutney (store-bought or homemade)
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¼ cup red bell pepper (diced)
Steps:
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Mix curry powder, coconut oil, and lime juice. Coat salmon. Top with bell peppers.
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Air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes. Spread chutney over salmon and cook 2 more minutes.
Recipe 10: Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Salmon
Indulgent but still balanced.
Ingredients per fillet:
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2 bacon slices (thin-cut)
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2 tbsp shredded cheddar or Gruyère
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1 tsp chopped parsley
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½ tsp paprika
Steps:
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Cook bacon halfway (air fry at 375°F for 5 minutes). Drain fat.
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Wrap bacon around salmon. Sprinkle cheese, parsley, and paprika.
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Air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes until bacon is crisp and salmon is cooked through.
5 Essential Tips for Air Fryer Salmon Success
Even with great recipes, these pro tips ensure flawless results:
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Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Leave space between fillets for air circulation. Cook in batches if needed.
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Check Doneness Early: Salmon cooks fast—use a meat thermometer. Internal temp of 145°F (63°C) means it’s done (slightly under is okay if you like medium-rare).
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Prevent Sticking: Use a non-stick spray or line the basket with parchment paper (poke holes for airflow).
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Rest Before Serving: Let salmon rest for 2–3 minutes after cooking—this locks in juices.
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Revive Leftovers: Cold salmon? Air fry at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to crisp the skin again.
Common Questions About Air Fryer Salmon
Q: Can I use frozen salmon directly in the air fryer?
A: Yes, but thaw it first (overnight in the fridge) and pat dry. Cook 2–3 minutes longer than fresh.
Q: Why is my salmon dry?
A: Overcooking is the main culprit. Stick to 8–12 minutes for 1-inch fillets. Also, avoid over-seasoning with salt (it draws out moisture).
Q: Do I need to flip salmon in the air fryer?
A: Not usually—most fillets cook evenly on one side. If using thicker cuts, flip halfway for crispier skin on both sides.
Q: What’s the best oil for air frying salmon?
A: High-smoke-point oils like avocado, grapeseed, or light olive oil work best. Avoid extra-virgin olive oil (it burns easily).
Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Salmon
Air frying salmon isn’t just about convenience—it’s about elevating a nutritious protein into a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal effort. From zesty citrus to bold Sriracha, these recipes prove there’s a flavor for every mood. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or whipping up a Friday night dinner, the air fryer turns salmon into a quick, healthy, and unforgettable dish. Give these recipes a try, and don’t be afraid to tweak seasonings to match your taste. Happy cooking!